Knowledge Level, Vaccination Rates, and Determinants of HPV Vaccination among People Living with HIV in Türkiye: A Cross-sectional Study Türkiye’de HIV ile Yaşayan Kişilerde HPV Aşısına İlişkin Bilgi Düzeyi, Aşılama Oranları ve HPV Aşılamasını Etkileyen Faktörler: Kesitsel Bir Çalışma

Gül Ö., Demirbaş N. D., Tahtasakal C. A., Derin O., Öncül A., Sevgi D. Y.

Mediterranean Journal of Infection, Microbes and Antimicrobials, cilt.15, sa.1, ss.61-68, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin)

Özet

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has not yet been included in national immunization programs in many low-and middle-income countries, including Türkiye. People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) are a priority group for vaccination due to their heightened susceptibility to persistent HPV infection and HPV-related cancers. Identifying barriers to vaccination is essential for developing effective prevention strategies. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between April and July 2024 among PLWH receiving care at a tertiary training and research hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, HPV knowledge, vaccination history, and attitudes. Statistical analyses were performed to identify factors associated with HPV knowledge and vaccine uptake. Results: A total of 120 individuals participated: 92.5% (n = 111) were male, 6.7% (n = 8) female, and 0.8% (n = 1) transgender. The mean age was 34.6 years. Overall, 60.0% (n = 72) reported awareness of HPV, but only 12.5% (n = 15) had received at least one vaccine dose. Among those aware of HPV, uptake was 18.1%. Vaccination was significantly higher among participants with a previous HPV infection (25.0%, p < 0.05) and those informed by physicians (45.8%, p < 0.001). Among unvaccinated participants, 48.8% (n = 51) indicated they would accept the vaccine only if it were provided free of charge. Higher education level, younger age, and non-heterosexual orientation were significantly associated with greater HPV knowledge. Conclusion: Despite moderate awareness, HPV vaccination coverage among PLWH in Türkiye remains unacceptably low, primarily due to economic and informational barriers. Expanding cost-free vaccination programs and reinforcing physician recommendations are critical to improving vaccine uptake and reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases in this high-risk population.